YOUNGSTOWN (October 17, 2017/For Immediate Release) – The Board of Trustees of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC), met in special session this morning and voted to offer the position of Library Executive Director to Aimee Fifarek, of Phoenix Public Library in Arizona.

The offer is contingent on the candidate replying within 24 hours and successfully passing a background check and drug screening. [Update 10-19-2017: Mrs. Fifarek has accepted the position. The remaining terms apply.]

Trustees unanimously approved this motion: “Motion to approve the appointment of Aimee Fifarek of Scottsdale, Arizona, as Executive Director of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County at the beginning annual salary of $110,000.00 with fringe benefits generally consistent with those provided to other full-time, administrative staff of PLYMC. In addition, to approve a relocation allowance of up to $7,500.00 for receipted expenses associated with relocation to Mahoning County and fifteen days of vacation leave for 2018. This appointment is contingent upon a satisfactory background report and drug screening.”

Dr. Ritchie, Board President and chair of the Search Committee, said he is pleased with the process and commended the search firm, Bradbury Miller Associates, as well as Library staff and Trustees, on the smoothness and professionalism of the process. Bradbury Miller Associates conducted a national search for PLYMC. He said he is hopeful the new executive director can begin in early-January 2018.

Dr. Ritchie cited Mrs. Fifarek’s experience, her involvement in library organizations and associations, and her commitment as being among the reasons for the choice. He noted that the new director would be taking on projects in the Library’s strategic plan, Library 2020, which includes the Main Library renovation and the Brownlee Woods-Struthers proposed consolidation. He noted that of course, the new director would need time to review and study these facility projects before taking any action.

The Board reviewed over 20 applicants and narrowed the field to four finalists, who visited Mahoning County and appeared at a public forum at Austintown Library on Oct. 10. The finalists toured library branches and met staff on their two-day stay in Mahoning County. Ms. Fifarek was chosen today by the Board from these four finalists.

Aimee Fifarek (bio)

Aimee Fifarek is the Deputy Director of Information Technology and Digital Initiatives at Phoenix Public Library in Arizona. She grew up in Marinette, WI, on the shores of Lake Michigan, which she occasionally saw when she didn’t have her nose in a book.

She attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning a Master’s Degree in English and in Library and Information Science. Aimee’s 20-year library career has taken her from Milwaukee to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and now to Scottsdale, AZ. During this time, she has worked in both academic and public libraries and has developed expertise in all areas of Information Technology, materials selection, collection management, and administration.

Aimee has authored numerous professional articles. She is the immediate Past President of the Library Information Technology Association (a division of the American Library Association), a graduate of the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL), and has she received awards for Technological Innovation and Outstanding Library Service.

Aimee and her husband are avid gardeners, cooks, and frequent caretakers of neighborhood cats. Aimee believes that the enduring power of the library resides in its staff and their ability to help members of the community achieve their goals by connecting them with the information and services they need.